Sunday 29.3.09:

The Body 4 U training Club New Year New You challenge! Oh what a challenge it has been. I remember When Angela and Darren told me that I was the selected person . I was ecstatic and over the moon. I never really thought about what the hell I would be getting myself in to . It was all under way and oh my goodness did I ever think I would do half of the things we have achieved. Hill Climbing down near Alstonville, The Gym to Manly riding our bikes. Oh and then we do Bloody great runs 1 minute run two minute walk challenges to never never land. And then last week Walk and runs all the way to Manly. I was so unfit at the start and over the eight weeks I have become healthier happier,skinnier and more determined to follow this challenge as far as I need to. I would never in my dreams of thought of walking to Manly or trying to jog as It would of killed me. I can say I am not that good at the running, jogging but I am better than what I was eight weeks ago. I cannot tell you how many death glares and bits of cheek I have given over this time, but without such dedicated and motivating team builders from body 4 U team none of this would of happened the way that it has. The way the trainers can read your mind and know just what you are capable of is totally amazing. Darren and Angela have an amazing group of trainers and have been such an inspiration to me throughout the whole time, it
is a credit to you all. My journey will not end here and I know I will have the full support while my mission is continuing. Thank you to my children Brendan and Mitchell and my husband for being so supportive and giving me all the encouragement along the way and for your continued support. Thanks Roger for your extra application to help in getting me on this challenge you are special to me. What a wonderful way to start my 2009 year. A huge thank you to one and all for following our progress through the blogs and through the gym. Everyone's support and encouragement throughout this event helped in making this a challenge I will never forget.

Thank you one and all. Especially Darren and Angela this has meant the world to me
Thankyou!!!

From Annette







Annette

Well it's Sunday evening 29.3.09:

What can I say.We headed to the gym to find the Fabulous Angela head trainer, My star trainer Richard and the very supportive and encouraging Amanda. What a fine lot of trainers they are at the Body 4 U Training Club. Well we started with a training session and yes it was our final one before our weigh in later in the day. I stayed focused and really put my full effort into this. I actually gave Greg a run for his money today and was able to give some smart ass comments to him. It was quite warm in the gym today or was I just hallucinating. After our session we changed shirts and headed for our morning fix before our mystery destination. Oh shoot about half way we were told where we were going . My initial thought was thank goodness we were not bungee jumping off some great structure. It was the Story Bridge Climb. I was excited but a little scared as I thought it was going to be a lot harder to climb than what it was. Before we knew it we were all outfitted and stepping onto the spiral stair case. Holy Crap this is the best feeling in the world I had a smile from ear to ear and I enjoyed every second of this experience. Our special photo moment was great and we got a great team shot. Oh I was and still am so excited with what we did.I do believe Brett and Allison need a huge than you for today's experience THANK YOU! from the bottom of my heart. That was Awesome! We returned to the base of the bridge where we congratulated each other on a job well done and went for a well earned breakfast. It was nearly lunch time or maybe later when we arrived home from the experience and were told to come back to the gym for weigh ins and measurements. I am absolutely stoked at the final results . I lost a total of 10.4 kilos over the eight weeks and lost an incredible 24 centimetres from my stomach 15 cm from my hips and 5.5 cm from my thighs. I am stoked at this result.
I am going to keep going on my mission as this is a major achievement for me. We ended this event with a celebratory drink at the Icon. What a great day.

From Annette

Saturday 28.3.09:

It was a mad rush this morning we have had a few late nights lately and we were catching up. Roger woke at 7.15 am and we needed to be at Carina for a 8.00 am game of basketball. We woke the children got changed and ate our banana on the way to the game. We didn't do much once we got home until around 4.00 when we decided to go on a bike ride to see what was actually around our suburb. We really have some great parks and it was great we all had a turn on the kids things and had a great quality afternoon being together having fun. We headed home not long before dark and got a sprinkle of rain. Great fun had by all. Tomorrow is the last day of the challenge. Oh my goodness, what is it going to bring.
From Annette

Friday 27.3.09:
One of those days when you go to the doctors and you finally seen 30 minutes after your appointment and then you get in there to here him say it must just be a 24 hour bugs, keep fluids up and to keep to plain foods. 2 minutes to tell me what I already thought. How frustrating! You know when children aren't right when they use that whinge voice and all they want to do is lie on top of you. How nice it is when it hit 7.00 at night and he says I'm tired bed.
How exhausting was my day. It was piece when he went to bed and I needed a coffee and some time out. Poor Mitch he doesn't get sick often but when he does it takes it out of you. I did my own training session in the lounge room with my stepper and doing floor exercises . I did my circuit 3 times and built up some heat. Still waiting on Roger to return home it will be nice to have him back. A big walk planned for tomorrow to get out of the house. And who knows what Sunday will bring.

From Annette

Thursday 26.3.09:

Well what can I say My morning was great I went for a walk in the morning and then went to buy more gym shirts as the others are hanging on me. I am feeling emotional today and my day got progressively worse with Mitchell getting the vomits .I am not happy I can't get to the gym
but hopefully will be able to go for a walk with little mate in the pram. Sorry to cancel out on you Amanda. Roger will be coming home late tomorrow night which I will be pleased to see him. It's been one of those tough weeks emotionally. I think I am looking forward to the weekend but I am scared about the final weigh in. I am going for a relax bath hopefully that might make me feel a little happier.
Until tomorrow,
Bye from Annette

Wednesday 25.3.09:

Sorry about yesterdays blog but it was one of those days where I didn't have the time to take time out for my self. We today I was right into my training with Logan's fit key class which I pushed myself as hard as I could and then I had a Personal training with Richard which was a combo of legs and arms today using all the different equipment around the gym. I was able to do my session well and still had the energy to be able to go on a hour and a half walk. Gee I felt pumped this morning. After my day at work I still managed to leave there and go to Karate for an hour and a half . Well yes I am feeling quite worn out this evening but not long to go till final weigh in and I am on a mission. It makes it so much harder to do things at night without Roger being around for the kids but I am doing all I can do during the day.

Looking forward to tomorrow I am going on a walk run with my sons I pod. I better go and get a good sleep for tomorrow.

From Annette

Monday: 23.3.09

A little stiff and sore but not to bad considering our walk on Sunday. Well I was in the mood for a good training session today with Richard. Started with the grinder and moved to more upper body exercises. All was going quite well until I fixed the shoulder strap on my bra and it broke. Oh bugger what the heck am I going to do . Lara found a safety pin for me and temporarily fixed it but soon enough it couldn't hold the tension. Oh well lets keep going we will get there. On we went shuttle runs squats and squat jumps. Oh what fun to have big boobs -NOT . I was going to stay and do more of a workout but it really wasn't working for me. Oh well I will go for a walk tonight once the gremlins are in bed. I hope my muscles don't get worse tonight as I was up quite a bit last night with the aching of lower legs. Thanks for a good session today Richard.

From Annette

Sunday 22.3.09:

Well what a brisk morning down at the gym at 6.00 ready for the news as to what we are going to do. I got there fashionably early along with Amanda where we had a little chit chat as to how things were going. Before too long Little Miss Scarey arrived. Quick toilet stop and away we go. We headed towards Ormiston where I was thinking that dreaded hill. Well it was two runs up the dreaded hill before taking off as to where we didn't really know. I asked Angela if we were of to Wynnum and I got the response do you mean Manly. Oh crap that is millions of miles away. We headed along after the hill run to find out we were doing 1 minute run 2 minutes walk and we did this all the way to Manly. 3 Hours later we made it to Manly. My feet were aching in the arches and I was stuffed. Due to the fact Angela went with Greg and I had Amanda to get me from A to B we kept in communication by mobile phone. As we headed into Lota Amanda was talking with Angela and when Amanda got off she said that Angela will be with me on the way back. I was literally stuffed. Once arriving to where Angela and Greg were I said to Angela " are we really going all that way back?" Angela replied "no Darren is coming to get us." This was all a bit much by this stage and I got quite teary. THANKS ANGELA FOR DOING THAT. We had a breakfast of muesli and coffee before trying to walk back to the car. Arriving back we did the good old weighi ns. Well everything is going quite well with a 1 kilogram loss and all the other readings changing in a good way too. Well a HUGE THANK YOU TO AMANDA FOR THE VERBAL ENCOURAGEMENT ALONG THE WAY, HOPE YOUR VOICE BOX IS OKAY. Thanks for the great support you are a wonderful trainer. Thanks to ANGELA FOR BEING SO GOOD WITH US GENERALLY AND FOR THE INSPIRATION ALONG THE WAY. Well another great achievement today to us all. Thank you one and all for the training session and to Darren for the taxi ride.

Fromm Annette

Saturday 21.3.09: After a morning full of chores and running around the morning had passed very quickly. After leaving the voting till the afternoon I decided to give the walk run a go that we did the other week another go . I can definitely feel myself getting better at this. Well I did this for 1.5 hours before returning home in the pitch black. I have been trying to do the blog and I thought it was my computer but thank goodness it wasn't. I stretched well after the walk and went home for yummy dinner. Instructions for Sunday came through walking shoes hat and plenty of water. Oh dear what in the heck could we be doing. Stay in touch to find out.
From Annette

Friday 20.3.09:

Today I went down to the gym with the intention of going for a walk down to the point but It was when it poured down with rain. So I walked on the treadmill doing an increase in the degree of the hill every 5 minutes starting at 5 and going to 15 degrees. I continued doing this for a full hour building up good body sweat. Thanks for coming over for a chat Amanda. It does get quite boring at times when your there for quite a long time so thanks. I could feel my muscles working hard in my legs during the inclines and I tried not to hang on to much. I did a good stretching after this so hopefully I won't feel it to much tomorrow. Well it's nearly another week down and I am getting a little nervous as to what the weekend will bring for us. This New Year challenge is going so quickly it doesn't feel like nearly seven weeks has gone past. Hoping for another loss this week.
Better rest well tonight and train again tomorrow. Until then bye.
from Annette

Thursday 19 3 09:

Feeling a little tight after my Karate class last night. I had to go shopping this morning to buy myself a shirt to wear with a skirt today and that was interesting to see how my shape has changed. The skirt use to be so uncomfortable to wear but I felt it falling down and I kept having to adjust it all the time. My shirt was from the medium size rack which felt really good. It was time for work and I felt full of energy. I finished at 6.15 and then did children pickup and arrived home at 6.45 to quickly get changed and drive like a hooligan to get to Jessie's Spin Class. Jessie's spin class was great with plenty of variety and plenty of sweat. It was a small group and very friendly atmosphere we pushed our way through the class. Jessie is very motivational and inspires me to keep going and aim for targets down the track after the challenge has finished. Great class. Well Friday already tomorrow I think I better prepare myself for the weekend it could be a big hard one. Which is nothing unusual for our weekend sessions. I am loving all this
energy I have had lately and I feel like a new woman. Oh Darren thanks for the Photo's during Spin that made my night.
From Annette

From Annette

Wednesday 18.3.09:

Today my morning started with a fit key session with Logan. That was a hard session 5 minutes normal 5 minutes strength. It was only a small class so we moved to the equipment we wanted to use. It was a very hot session today. After Logan's class I then went onto Richards Personal Training session. Wow what a session we had boxing along with shuttle runs and other things attached. It was a full on workout today I gave it everything I had with a bit of cheek as well.
My fitness has definitely improved I can do what I'm told and be able to achieve it. After my session I was sticky and wet. A nice shower and a day at work. After work Brendan started Karate self defence classes which I decided to do as well. Well I didn't realize it gave you such a good workout. I feel like I am a knew Woman being able to do these things with Brendan makes me feel like a proper mummy. I am feeling really pumped after tonight. So I had better settle down and try to get a good nights sleep . Thanks Richard for a top training session today.

From Annette

Tuesday 17.3.09:

Well another day I think my legs feel worse than they did yesterday. They are very tight in the calf muscles they are constantly aching. I thought that If I try the spin class then they might stretch out a bit and feel a bit more comfortable. What a great spin class Well done Angela . Well you really have to watch how you pace yourself especially when you sit next to Amanda. Thanks for the push along Amanda. It just keeps you aware that everyone is on the lookout for you. As the session rolled on Amanda and I would look at each other and give that Gee it's full on and I believe it was a good session. I felt really good at the end that I finished and didn't have any problems and felt good but buggered. After the day I headed back to the gym for a fit key session with Richard and the class. 6 machines 5 minutes on each. I decided to start on the stepper as I was raring to go. I am definitely getting fitter as I can do much more before getting totally wrecked. Richard set small goals along the way and was teasing me with what he is going to torture me with tomorrow. So we will wait and see. Better go and rest well. Catch up again tomorrow.

Annette

Monday 16.3.09:

Well what can I say I'm feeling it in my knees and lower legs today after the monster hill. I had a Personal training session with Richard today and he did say he was going to push me more today and I think he did. It was a good weight session and full body workout with quite good variety. I was determined not to let the running get the better of me so I stayed focused and completed the session. I finished and felt like I had done a dam good workout. This afternoon I could really feel my lower legs aching as I was walking around the school . I think a Radox bath is in order for me tonight. Thanks Richard for the good workout that was a good one.

Sunday 15.3.09:

Well what can I say the memorable big sucker of a hill. I was a little quiet on the way down to the hill. I was trying to envisage myself last time and hoping I could do better. After the pull up and the quick toilet stop off it was time to suck up the fresh air and be on our merry way. Bye Greg, Bye Angela see you later. Richard was very motivational today pushing me quite well up different stages up the hill. Richard made small goals to get to which is what Angela did but Richard doesn't actually stop for more than a second and were back into it. Shoot I think the bloody hill has grown from all the rain in the previous weeks. It seemed to take for ever but I knew I must have done better due to the fact I wasn't stopping for short breathing catch ups at every flat bit. I made it in 50 minutes which is better than 1 hour and 5 minutes. I was happy but then when kept on going along this track down hills and all I could think about was, bummer we have to get back up these again to get back home. Well with plenty of other trekkers on the track we took a 3 or maybe 5 minutes,no it was 2 if we were lucky to eat a protein bar and it was lets turn around and head back. I was more focused getting back doing the hills not so bad. Coming back down my toes were starting to cramp up but we made it. With determination we all made it back for a wholesome muesli breakfast. Or the trainers having there poached eggs with baked beans and toast and of course the good old morning cup of coffee. We all got back in the car for our journey home where I was a little more talkative ready to return for our weekly weigh in. Another small loss but it's better than nothing at all.
Thank you Angela and Richard for spending a delightful morning trekking the hill . Richard thanks for keeping me focused and ready to achieve my time loss.

Saturday 14.3.09:

Saturday and what a great day I went and watched Brendan's basketball school match which he got player of the match so that was good to watch. For the rest of the morning we spent it with Nana and Poppy. In the afternoon I decided to go on my merry way on my bike to do a workout to warm up my legs for the hill climb tomorrow. I took an old bike that had no gears at all so I worked hard up some of the bigger hills. We went to Sizzler for dinner tonight where I was very good I stuck with the Salad bar and added a bit of pasta into the meal for a bit of energy. I was very good I didn't touch the bread or potato skins or any creamy salad it was all very well planned on my behalf. It came to dessert time just so I didn't think I was missing out I helped the children design the plates and let them enjoy it. It was a good night out and it really is about watching how much and what you consume which makes all the difference.
Well a good nights rest is in order before the Hill Climb tomorrow. Hope to catch up with you all with the news that we made it safely home tomorrow afternoon.
From Annette

Friday 13.3.09:

Well after the morning chores of blood tests with Brendan and getting him off to school and putting the car in for two front tyres before we knew it it was time for a coffee and work. I managed to finish early due to lack of numbers so I took advantage of this and got changed and headed for the gym. I decided to do a treadmill jog/walk combo training session. I did 1 minute jog 2 minute walk. I did this for 45 minutes which I was quite proud of myself to keep going for that long. Thanks Mel for the encouragement along the way that kept me going. By the time I finished I had built up quite a lot of sweat and I knew I had worked hard. I cancelled our trip to Sizzler as it was getting to late and the line up was big as I drove home from the gym. Instead we did A mix of vegetables and tomatoes with a beef tortellini mixed in. I did mainly the veges and tipped a tin of tuna over the top. It was quite yummy. Well the week has gone so fast and I'm
hoping for a loss this week. I need to build up my confidence for Sunday I know it's going to take everything I've got so my aim is to stay focused and push hard but control breathing.

From Annette

Thursday 12.3.09:

Well I didn't get a morning session in today due to a hospital appointment with my little bloke. So after finishing work at 6.15 pm I raced home got changed and headed for the gym for Jessie's spin class. It was relatively small in numbers tonight but that didn't stop the action from happening. Jessie was in fine form as usual giving us a mighty fine hard class. It's amazing how the bikes feel different from each other with there tension. I was pushing quite hard for the class. I can't believe this week is just going sooooo fast it's already nearly the weekend and the next challenge lies ahead. Ooh oohh. I am going to do some training with Roger tomorrow which will be nice for a change.
Thanks for a great session tonight Jessie your class is hard but a goodie.
From Annette.

Wednesday 11.3.09:

Today it was back to the gym for a morning fit key class with Logan. 10 min 3 machines with some intervals in it. It was a good session .It felt very hot in the room today and the sweat was full on . We finished there and then it was into Richards Personal Training session. Well what can I say I think Richard thinks I am Superwoman with the weights he makes them quite heavy and you can really feel it burn. We did a few knew little things today which was a little scary but I did them. Thanks Richard it was a good session but I think I'll be sore in my lower back from that machine I thought was going to fall over. Well I'm still on my mission for the week. Last night Roger was in one of his moods and gave me a cuddle and told me how well I was doing but what cracked me up the most was when he said to me" Darling I think your boobs are shrinking". You have got no idea how much I want to lose my boobs they are the most frustrating thing in life. So I replied that's great love that's the best news I have had since I started.
Well enough of the laughing and carry on I need to go and do a days work. Enjoy your day and we will catch you all tomorrow.
From Annette

Tuesday 10.03.09:
Well today I did a weight session before going into a spin class with Angela. It was a good full hard workout as usual. I can definitely feel myself feeling fitter with all I have been doing. I felt like I had really worked hard this morning and was hoping that Roger would let me go to fit key tonight instead of him. A busy day at work and the collection of children from care and Into the fit key class. I did 5 machines giving my body another good workout. Boy I am hoping I am going to have a good strong week. I am feeling quite eager in all I am doing at the moment so I hope it will all pay off. My goodness this week seems to be flying already. Thank you to everyone for your comments this morning as to how much my body has changed From a personal look at myself you don't see it the way others do . Thank you all for your support. Well another busy day tomorrow so I better go and get my sleep.
From Annette

Monday 9.3.09:

Well what can I say I am feeling great after the weigh in on Sunday. My body is feeling ready for another workout but my head feels blur . My Personal training session today with Richard was good. It worked me hard. I don't think I have felt that bugged in a long time. I had sweat dripping off me on the climber and my whole body was just a big sweat ball at the end. It didn't take long for me to cool down and feel better again . Richard thanks for pushing me that bit harder. I am really enjoying going to the training sessions as I am feeling more capable of doing more things and trying different challenges. I need to stay positive and strong as this is my lifetime change and I am looking forward to a life of being able to walk ,run ,play and be there for my husband and kids and feel like a normal person not like and overweight elephant.

from Annette

Sunday 8.3.09:

Well what can I say it was a later start than usual so that was nice to have a little more shut eye.
I woke and thought oh no putting my togs on under my gym gear this is really quite scary. I was ready to leave with my croaky voice and feeling quite worn out to start with. We headed to masthead Drive to the beach where Angie Darren Richard had set a delightful challenge for us. Well what can I say I thought how the heck are we going to do this. after Angie explained the running of it she also said it was to be timed. Oh poop! Well round one started filling a wheelie bin with water Greg with a big crack in the bucket and mine was good. We then did a log pull followed by Bloody great tyre flipping.Could you have found any bigger tyres. . We then did filling a big bag with sand and having to go over and under this obstacle. Well then it was time for Tug of war Darren and Richard on one end and Greg Annette and Angie on the other. This was pretty hard going. There was another tyre roll and a run to the finish line. We finished this once and then twice and then we did it a third time. By the end I hardly had any breath left. It didn't take long to get my breath back before we headed for our walk back to the gym for our weekly weigh in. I was excited a loss of 2.2 kilos. Wahoo I am on a mission in the next 3 weeks.
Thanks Angela ,Richard and Darren for your strategic planning for the days event. You really went to a lot of trouble to set this one up .Well done it was a good challenge. Thanks also to our supporters Hayes Bailey, Lara and the boys for your support .

From Annette

Saturday 7.3.09:

A very busy day being a taxi driver to the children's functions. I did do some exercise playing soccer at the sports party Brendan went to. In the afternoon I thought it was best that I do something to help in the mission to lose weight again this week. I did a walk on my own late in the afternoon when it wasn't to hot. I still managed to build a good sweat. Feeling a little scared as what tomorrow is going to bring after reading Angie's blog. My throat is still killing me and I feel quite tired. .
From Annette

Friday 6.03.09:

Well what a week I achieved my goal at work by being able to fill my leadership role and still manage 4 days at the gym. I am feeling quite pumped after getting home today and phoning to see what time the gym closed on a Friday. So off I went I rowed on the rower and did the mountain climber and then did intervals on the treadmill 1 min jog 2 minuet walking and then 1 min jog 1 min walk. I then did the grinder bike combo next to the treadmill.for 20 minuets. By the end I think I had given myself a good workout. I do think I am getting fitter and stronger. Well another good nights rest is in order as it's Basketball followed by shopping and then going to a sports party with Brendan. Where it will be great to get involved with him with the sporting games. I will also fit in a walk run in the afternoon. It was good to catch up with Greg in the gym tonight and have a little chit chat.

from Annette

Thursday 5.3.09:

What a day hospital appointments ,work, losing my mobile somewhere not being able to get onto carers and then trying to find my son between 3 locations and trying to get to spin tonight and Roger not being there even if I was home in time. What a right off. I'm feeling bugged and for a couple of days have been slowly losing my voice so I really feel like crap.It's just turned 8.30
and I am feeling like it is ten o'clock at night. Hopefully I can get a really good night sleep tonight and make up for it tomorrow. I feel angry that I didn't get to train but hopefully I will push myself hard tomorrow with whatever I decide to accomplish.

From Annette

Wednesday 4.03.09:

Today I had a busy day at work before finally getting to the gym around 7.00pm. I was walking on the treadmill waiting for Richard to finish his Pt with other clients while watching the biggest loser. Honestly what a load of crap. As if you would after losing 20 odd kilos go for such a idiotic temptation just to get immunity. That would have to make you put on at least 5 kilos just from the bloody size of it and then you have undone all that good. Anyhow that made me more determined to push harder in my training session. Richard that was hard but good I felt my arms burning with each exercise I did. It was a good variety of things to do and made we work hard. I do believe i am going to be a bit sore and stiff tomorrow but that's a good thing ...right.
My food is going really well no slip ups yet and I'm proud of myself.
Catch you all tomorrow.
from Annette

Tuesday 3.3.09:

Well this morning I was a little sore in my legs from my hill exercises but I was raring to go with my P T Training this morning. Richard did a really good session today which worked all parts of my body. I built up a good sweat but felt really strong when I finished. I didn't stay around due to work but then returned to do Mel's fit key class. I pushed through five machines and it felt like my body worked hard. It is great to walk into the gym and everybody says how well I'm doing and how it looks like my body shape has changed. Thank you everyone for the ongoing support it helps to make me feel more determined with what I am already doing to do my very best I can do so thanks.

From Annette

Monday 2.03.09:

Well I woke up a little sore and stiff today but I knew I had done something I haven't done since I was a kid on Sunday. It was hard going but with a positive approach and a lot more fitness behind me I will be able to do it much better next time. I felt really angry with myself tonight as I didn't make it to the gym today so while Roger sat down to watch underbelly I had the motivation to go outside and do some street hill climbs. The street along the bottom of our is long and a gradual climb so I gave myself a challenge to climb up and down it five times in which I was flat out climbing when we last had a local election at the local school. I was feeling good so I then set a challenge to walk 5 times up and down our own street . It doesn't seem like much but it was a good workout. I have come back and feeling like I have done something good for my body apart from my food intake for the day.

from Annette

Sunday 1.03.09:

Well I was sitting on the steps of the gym this morning psyching myself up as I knew Angela would be on a mission today after my friend Greg's smart comments throughout the week. Oh no Darren and Angela arrive and diary checks done all looks good from us both. Water packs on and off we go what can I say SHIVERS once I found out we were doing interval training I felt sick as I can't run/ jog for long at all. I started with Angela as my partner but that was soon taken over by Darren who did a great job in time keeping and making sure I was doing it the way it should be done. We were only an hour into it and SHOOT it was hard going . Jogging just doesn't feel right at this stage but hopefully it will as I get fitter. We kept on going where the heck are we going as we still need to get back today. Soon enough after all these little stints of exercises along the way it was time to head back. Greg was sweating his shirt was dripping wet but my hat and pants were all hot and sweaty. We got to certain points and Darren would try and make you feel like we were nearly home but I think he was dreaming. Finally when we made it to the top near the R.S.L. I knew then that we didn't have that much further to go but every time Darren's alarm would do that double beep I would say things under my breath. I have come to the conclusion that both Darren and Angela know that if they talk the whole way that I'll shut up and move with motivation. After the last jog my body was aching and hot and all I could manage once getting up the gym stairs was to collapse on the floor and stretch out my body. Thanks to both Angela and Darren for you patience. And Greg I'm glad the weights slowed you down a little. Keep up the great work mate.

Saturday 28.02.09
Today I was feeling quite tired in the morning so I let Roger go to boot camp while I tried to get some extra shut eye. But not for long as there was those mummy things to do like be the taxi to the children and getting to basketball matches. In the afternoon I felt a little better so at around 5.00 we headed down to Chelsea road and took off on our merry way on our bikes and headed for the Wynnum wading pool. By this time the kids were hungry so we got Fish and chips. BUT the good girl that I am got my piece of grilled fish which was really nice. We then headed back in the pitch black but thank goodness Roger had the light on the front and back of his bike Brendan in the middle and Mitchell and myself took up the pack and successfully made it back to the car. It was great to have our outing as a family and covering new ground. What fun.

Annette

Friday 27.2.09:

Well I made it to Richards spin class this morning a little tired but that didn't last long.Richard that was a good class. I then went home and organized the children before leaving them in Rogers capable hands to drop them at school while I did rather a hot long muscle working walk to the Point with Amanda. It is so good how all the trainers are willing to give up there time to help us on this mission. Thanks for setting the pace and working me well Amanda I really do appreciate it. Well feeling quite worn out this afternoon it is time to make a healthy dinner and a rest until tomorrow. I have worked hard this week so hopefully another bit of weight has dropped from me.

Thursday 26.2.09:

This morning I went down to the gym but I went for a walk to the point and back. It was quite hot with the sun beating down on me. I did short spurts of jogging but not as much as the other day as my neck and head were still a bit tender. My walk made me sweat quite well and my heart rate increase. This evening I did Amanda's fit key class which I worked hard at while discussing with Greg about what the training session could be about. I also warned him not to
get smart with the trainers or else we could be in trouble. It wasn't me I promise. Amanda has put my name down for spin at 5.30 in the morning so I must go and rest so I can function at that time of the morning. Until tomorrow sleep well all.

Wednesday 25.2.09:

Today I woke again with a sore neck and when I hopped out of bed my head made me feel sick. I knew I needed to visit the chiropractor. After school drop off I went to my chiropractor to try to get an appointment and it was perfect timing as he just had a cancellation at 9.00. I pulled out of fit key sorry Logan but after getting worked on I still felt strange but I knew I had to do my Personal Training session with Richard. Thanks for being flexible with the training session but I still did push myself as much as I could. It was quite a full on session. Thanks for the tips Angela you gave Richard he obviously took it on board. I went home and iced my neck and showered for my day at work. It was feeling quite tender around 5.00 so I didn't think it was such a good idea to do circuit session. My neck is feeling quite strange and it sends pains into my head depending on which angle it's facing. Hopefully I will be fine tomorrow but I still will do my 90min walk. I can't waste time,there are still things I can do to help my weightloss journey I can always pop the pills for pain. Going for a relax bath before bed.

from Annette

Tuesday 24.2.09:

I started my morning with 20 minutes on the elliptical machine before jumping into Angela's Spin Class. It was a full on class especially when your bum still feels bruised from Sunday. I pushed through the class and ended with plenty of sweat dripping from me. I felt well worked and all I needed was a cool shower and hair wash to make me feel ready for a days work. After returning home from work I decided to take Roger's fit key class from him again. Wow I did the stepper properly for the 10 minutes after doing the grinder and the sit down arm and leg machine near the treadmill. Richard kept on me during the class which made me more determined to do the stepper right. I am a bit scared about tomorrow's PT session with Richard as he was watching other trainers and thinking that would be good. Be very very careful Richard
I would like to survive the session.

From Annette

Monday 23.2.09:
It's the day after our bike ride and at this point in time not feeling to bad my legs aren't hurting to much at all. My bottom may be a bit bruised though. A Personal training session with Richard today. I know I asked for upper body but oh my goodness It was burning my arms really bad. I made it through the session and ended with 20min on the bike and some stretches. I thought if I kept my legs moving for a while it might stop them from hurting to badly in the next day or so.
It is good to look back on what we have done in this new you challenge and see just what we have achieved fitness wise and mentally so far. Greg has been working really well and I can't wait to be as good as he is at the challenges. Keep up the training mate.

From Annette

Sunday 21.2.09:

Well what can I say after arriving at the gym with the 4wd and my bike on the back I walk upstairs to the gym where a wonderful good morning by Darren . Well Diary check and all going well I need to add some carbs into the plan but not bad. Next thing that I heard was Ange saying we are of to manly. WHAT THE .. That's bloody miles away.Lets go says Angela. So Angela,
Richard, Greg and Myself headed on our journey on the tracks and the road which was interesting. What can I say "how do you get into things like this". Working out which gear I am suppose to be in was quite funny as Richard calls out go down with the left and up with the right.
Thanks for the advice or we may not of got home again. After some hills board walks and the road we were at Lota. Oh my goodness how cool we made it to Manly. A short break and a phone call to home to tell Rog where I had gone we headed back towards Cleveland. With a bottom burning from being on the bike seat so long we pushed our way home. We had some more hills but I kept pushing with all my might to the top. My gear changes improved on the way home Wahoo! Darren was on deck up rather a large climb to take the DREADED PHOTOS.
We all made it to the top and it was time to catch my breath while still riding the flat. We then
pushed our way along the streets and tracks and before we knew it Cleveland was here. Wow what an adventure thanks to you all for ensuring we all got back with no injuries but sore legs.
I am proud to say that I made it! We weighed in on return and yes another loss 1.7 that makes 5 kilos to date in 3 weeks.

Saturday 21.2.09:

What a day I have been to basketball in the morning , done the grocery shopping and fixed the bikes that we own and then late this afternoon we did a family bike ride. We rode to Cleveland point and back but added side streets and detours along the way. We gave the children a treat
of an ice-cream at the other end and the big kid to. But I settled for a drink of beautiful water.
We needed to do a ride so that i didn't feel stupid tomorrow falling off or not knowing how to do the gears right. I am positive that I will survive the bike ride/expedition where ever it may take us. The fear of not knowing where we are going scares me more than anything. Well I hope Greg isn't real flash on the bike so then I won't feel so awkward. Well I good nights rest is in order so I can function at full capacity tomorrow. I'll keep you updated with where in the world I end up tomorrow. Sleep tight all.

Annette

Friday 20.2.09:

Arrived at the gym for my weight cardio session my arms were really burning after the sets I did. I only managed 40 minutes in the gym but at least I made it there. My energy levels have improved since the start of the challenge and for the first time in years my parents actually said that it looks like I have lost weight. Wow that was great to hear. I'm not sure what the weekend is going to bring but I will start with my son Brendan's basketball game at 8.00 in the morning. Its his first proper game playing for his school. That will hopefully set me up for being ready to go get whatever is install for us on Sunday. I'm a little scared about weigh in on Sunday. Hopefully a loss. ( The massage last night from Rog felt great perhaps I should go and get a proper one.) It's not as bad as I thought it would feel.

Thursday 19.2.09:

Arriving at the gym this morning I was a little tired but I knew that if I didn't do my walk then I wasn't going to get time. So off I went I said I can do this so after crossing the street I started jogging for a while then took a rest by walking fast till my heart rate started coming back down and then off i would go again. I did this on the way down to the point and then I did it on the way back for half of the way but the heat was getting too much so I pushed myself to get back in plenty of time to be able to cool down with a 20 min bike ride and stretch my muscles. I felt wrecked but the heat had a lot to do with that. A well deserved shower and a days work followed by a spin class with Jessie which was quite a hard class and I was ready for a relaxing shower and a back massage for the aching back muscles. Well weights and cardio tomorrow but that is after seeing my son Brendan get a Well Done Award on assembly. Well must go before I miss out on the back massage.

From Annette

Wednesday 18.2.09:

Children drop off and the roads had me arrive a few minutes before fit key. It was great to see such a full class in the morning. We did 3 machines 10 minutes on each. I started on the stand up grinder which I don't know that it was the right move after finishing on it last night. My arms were burning. The bike gave my legs a work out and then the bike and grinder in one was my last machine. It was a good workout but once finished there it was time for...Richards time to train me. Well what can I say. He is pushing me hard I think but I am getting through it which is also good. Thanks Richard I can feel it working on me for the better. I do appreciate it.
Well I must shower and pack my lunch bag for the day and unfortunately can't do tonight due to work comittments or else I would be there doing Mel's circuit class. My thought for the day Think positive and confident.

Annette

17.2.09 Tuesday:

This morning I was feeling down and emotional. I don't really know why I felt confused. I had a talk to Angela this morning who reassured me that all was fine and that I can do this. Thanks Angela I don't no what got over me. Today I did a half hour warm up on different fit key machines before going into Angela's spin class. That was a pretty full on cycle class but finished with plenty of sweat pouring off me. I felt I did well I didn't slacken off I pushed throughout the class. Tuesday night I took Rogers fit key class from him thanks Rog but that made me feel like I hadn't slackened off with my training. My muscles were tight after this session so a well deserved bath of Radox will go down well and ready for another action packed day of training and classes.
From Annette

Monday 16.2.09

What a morning still a little stiff especially in my right hip. Well a training session this morning with Richard. Richard new how to shut me up and keep me going . I warmed up quite quickly and pushed my way through the session. Angela was checking up on me asking me how I was feeling from the weekend I think I gave her my serious, how do you think I am look. My session ended with the good old mountain climber which I think I feel more confident on I think I went quite well.
I stayed to do a hill climb on the bike in which I raised the strength to make me work harder for 20 minutes. At the end I was due for a nice cool shower and a protein bar. I am feeling a little sore but confident of another good week of training in the gym.

Annette

Sunday 15.2.09:

Today I woke up a little sore from the trek on Saturday. I got up and stretched my body to help it feel a little better. My hand and wrist was a little sore that was probably from my entertainment of tumbling a couple of times but it's okay. I did my grocery shop today my trolley is still looking very healthy. This afternoon we went on the hour and a half walk with the family and I pushed Mitchell on his trike bike which was pretty hard going at times. It was great to get everyone out in the fresh air sharing our time together. I treated myself a sushi roll today which was my special treat. Yum! Tonight I had leftovers of the turkey mince kidney bean and vegetable dish. The children didn't like that dish but I did. I had a Radox bath as I was a little stiff on return from the walk tonight. Well I better rest well as I have a training session with Richard tomorrow morning.
Annette.

Saturday: 14/2/09

Well what can I say it's raining it's pouring the old man is snoring. Well not me I was ready and raring to go this morning hiking boots and hydration packs and ready for my challenge. Hang on weigh in first well I am happy with 1.2 loss so that is good and helps to keep me motivated for the day. After jumping into Darren's car in the pouring rain it was time for a mystery trip down the highway to a little place near Alston ville wow we did out toilet stop and away we went . Got to the fence line and said Oh Shivers what have I got myself into here. With climbing sticks in our hand we trekked up this bloody great hillside thank goodness there were flats along the way so you could have a breather. After quite a few choice words and Angela chatting away motivating me before we new it we were at the top of this hill. That felt good I achieved this climb but oh we need to get back down. Off we went streams of water running down the hill and
quite a few squishy squashy places we headed down. This was entertaining I fell down twice making a bit of a comedy act for Angela to enjoy. At last we were back on the bitumen and firing at the fact that We had made it. A well deserved breakie to follow and coffee. Thanks for the inspiring day on the mountain looking forward to see how much better I can do next time

Thanks Angela and Darren for the motivation along the way you are great fun to be training with.

Annette

Friday: Well it is off to the gym this morning for weights and circuit training for an hour. I had a good session and after had a chit chat to some of the clients at the gym. I feel like I'm living at the gym but it's feeling great to be there feeling so focused at the job at hand. Well I am feeling quite SCARED about what is going to happen tomorrow including the weigh in. I have trained hard and I hope there is results as I am feeling it in my clothes. Still on track with food my diet has never been so strict in all my life and it does feel good. Time to go will reveal my journey after my trek tomorrow.
Annette

Thursday: 12.2.09

Today I woke up and realized oh bugger that time of the month. I am hoping that it won't affect my weigh in to much on Saturday. Well another day of training it was a brisk walk out to the point and back. I didn't take my music today but who came to the rescue Richard my trainer.
Thanks for taking the time to check on me and keep me going all the way back with some general chit chat as to how life is going with family, work and of course how to keep positive throughout this challenge when times get tough. It is great to have such supportive trainers around the gym that keep you focused and on track. It was good to catch up with Greg tonight at the gym to see how he is feeling. We discussed the foods we have been eating and how we have been feeling with in ourselves. Keep going Greg we are doing well. Lets see what Saturday brings for us Mate. It's getting late and time to get ready for bed so that I can train hard again tomorrow.

Annette

Wednesday 11/2/09:

My morning started with a fit key class followed by interval work and then on my personal training session. Well what can I say I am definitely getting fitter and I think stronger. Well after fit key I was quite hot and sweaty but I kept working until my PT session with Richard.
Richard is pushing me hard ,well I think so. I really like the way Richard pushes you along.
At the end I was ready to go home for a well deserved shower. I have been so good with my food and have had so many temptations put in front of me and I have been really strong and haven't touched anything naughty and all I have been drinking is water and my daily ration of coffee.

Annette

Tuesday 10/2/09:

Quite a warm morning I was keen to start my spin class today. I worked really well and constant throughout the session. I was listening to some of the great songs Angela played during the class and relating them to thoughts about what is going to happen to me during this next 7 weeks.
Oh it's getting a little more mind boggling just what we are going to be put through. I am still really enjoying this challenge and can't believe that I am coping with my food and exercise so well. Well I must go as who knows what Richard has install for me in the morning after the fit key session. It was really good to go to spin today and get a lot of friendly support from other clients at the gym, Thank you.

Annette

Monday 9.2.09

I was raring to go this morning after feeling a bit emotional on the way down. I started with a walk increasing the elevation along the way waiting for my personal training session with Richard. Richard has really increased the benchmark with the training. I don't think i have ever
acheived that much in a training session before. I had sweat going everywhere. Thanks Richard.
I stayed for an hour and did more interval training after my session and I was stuffed at the end.
I had the yummy chickpea and veges for lunch with tuna . I had my protein bar in the afternoon.
I am really looking forward to dinner as we are having Salmon and veges how yummy.

from Annette

Sunday:

Weigh in day . I lost 2 kilograms from my initial weigh in so I've done well. It was then down to the First of Angela's training sessions. Oh my goodness Yes we were pushed just like I thought.
After the session I felt rather wrecked but after calming down I don't feel too bad. I went home to make a egg white omlette with mushrooms and tomato. Yum! It didn't taste too bad. No greg it wasn't what you were talking about all training session Bacon and eggs. Well must go and work out my next week menu before going to the shops on my shopping spree. Lean meats,fruit and veges galore
Keeping in touch
Annette

Saturday 8 February:

Well today Is my long walk day so I left it to the afternoon when it wasn't to hot so I could power along to my music. I was constant with my speed and I enjoyed this walk. Tomorrow is the big end of week one weigh in. I am keen to see how the scales read.
Touch base tomorrow.

Annette

Friday 6 February:

It was a morning at the gym where i was doing weights and cardio. I was a bit unsure about this but the trusty trainers were there to guide me with what I should try and cover. Thanks Richard and John it's great to see everyone helping where they can as it helps me keep on going.
I built up my arms and back muscles and they were sore at the end. My lunch today was chicken and corn soup 1 small bowl and a small piece of watermelon. This afternoon I felt quite tired around five so I hope it will be an early night and that I'm not to sore for what tomorrow might bring. 1 more day to train before weigh in on Sunday S C A R E Y STUFF. I'm sure we will be right Greg.

Stay tuned to see what to come over the weekend.
Annette

Thursday 5 February:

Today I went on my long walk which was from the gym to the point and back. I did well although it was very hot. I walked to the point and on the way back I did short spurts of jogging to keep my heart rate up. At the end it felt like I had really acheived something. My fitness will get better the more I keep doing these stints. My food was really good I actually enjoyed lunch which was tuna and chickpea and veges.
Tonight I did a Fit key session which got the sweat coming off me quite well. I am feeling really confident about this experience. I have never felt like this before. Well it's night night time
so I can get back into it tomorrow.

Thanks Annette

Wednesday:

What a morning after the school drop off it was off to the gym for a fit key session which i gave it all I could give. I had sweat pouring from me from everywhere. I felt that I had really worked hard in this session. I then had my personal training session with Richard who pushed me and my muscles in my arms, that it felt like they were going to pop. Imade it but I felt exhausted but only until I had a shower and freshened up. My food and water intake is going well and I have been to the shops and haven't even looked at anything that I shouldn't. I feel that I am doing really well and staying really positive and strong.

from Annette

Annette's New Year Mission

Hi all !
Well lets start at Saturday when we had our photo shoot. I am not a fan of the camera with my big fat body, so I will say that was quite nerve racking. but also fun in other ways. Then my video entry was fun but when put on the spot you really don't think straight as there is so much going through your mind. My reading of my husbands entry for me made me choke up and feel quite emotional. I love the way he is supporting me in this mission.

Grocery shopping well what can I say . Thanks for the very informative shopping experience as
all the myths you hear about different foods was eased. Fruits and veges we were told to get as much as we wished to. I asked lots of questions in this area and yes Angela new exactly what to say. The meat department was really stomach churning as you see how much fat lies in some pieces of meat. The nutrition panel was very interesting but so much went through my brain I need Angela to write down what it was all about so I don't forget. Going through the registers I felt proud and excited about the changes in the fridge and pantry.

Monday well 9.00 was my personal training with Richard it was challenging but boy I felt ready to go. I did well and felt like I had really worked. I stayed after and did an hour walk
which also was good as I set challenges along the way. That night I ended up doing my husbands Personal training session and a Spin class. I felt tired but proud of myself. I did well with my food and water intake.


Tuesday: Woke a little sore from the blisters on my feet and certain muscles in my body. Well today I did a Spin session and did I work hard I had sweat dripping from me which isn't usually
the way I am. Maybe it's because I am drinking plenty of water and I'm hydrated. Once again I had another satisfying day with my food and water. I am excited.

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